Our lemon tree has gone completely mental this year and every morning over the past month or so, we’ve been greeted with a bagful of plump, heavy juice bombs which have dropped from the tree overnight. I’ve been giving away bagfuls left, right and centre, our freezer has been stocked with homemade lemonade popsicles at all times, bags of frozen juice cubes are threatening to take over any remaining space in the freezer and basically everything I’ve cooked of late has been doused with tangy juice or flavourful zest. I bloody love the stuff.
Preserved lemons
I packed these into two large jars (I think they’re just under 1 litre capacity), but you could always pack them into 4 smaller jars if preferred. Because it’s the skin of the fruit that is eaten, please ensure you use spray-free or organic lemons. Or if you see a laden tree in your neighbourhood, ask the owner if you can take a few! Maybe you could drop a jar of these off to them in return…
Makes 2 large jars
6 large (1.5kg) lemons, preferably organic
500g rock salt
8 bay leaves, fresh if available
3 teaspoon coriander seeds
handful small dried chillies
lemon juice, to cover
Wash lemons and cut each in half lengthwise. Cut each half in half again, lengthwise, making sure that you leave just a little bit intact at the top to hold the quarters together. Roughly squeeze most of the juice out of each lemon half with your hands, collecting the juice in a glass bowl and reserve. Combine salt, bay leaves, coriander seeds and chillies in a large bowl, add squeezed lemon halves and mix well with your hands to evenly distribute the salt.
Pack the lot into sterilised jars*, evenly dividing all the salt and flavourings between the two jars (or more if you are using smaller jars). Pour enough freshly squeezed lemon juice over the lemons to fully cover, you may need to juice a few extra lemons. I often wrap a smaller lid with baking paper and press this into the top of the jar, helping to keep the lemons submerged in liquid, but if your jar is totally full then you may not need to do this. Screw the lid on tightly and place in a dark, cool place for 3 weeks before using. Once opened keep in the fridge. To use, scrape off the flesh and discard, rinse then finely chop the skin. A little goes a long way. I like to use it to flavour things like vegetarian tagines and mayonnaise and it’s also lovely added to salad dressings.
* To sterilise jars, wash them well in hot soapy water, rinse and place into a preheated oven at 120C (248F) for 20 minutes. Sterilise lids in boiling water for 5 minutes.
18 Responses
I love preserved lemons but sadly I have no lemon tree of my own. I have lemon envy, I can tell you!
I've always wanted to do this – the jars are so pretty!
This is such a great idea for an abundance of lemons! Any specific things you use the preserves for?
I'm not sure I've got any recipes on here that use them, but I do often add them to salad dressings in particular xx
Reading this beautiful post makes me yearn for lemon season again!
How delicious – they give AMAZING flavour in tagine – takes me back to the time I went to Morocco!!
love preserved lemons and olives together – this is lovely.
I love preserved lemons and well have to make some now you've shown me how easy they are 🙂 My Lennon tree is yet to fruit, but it's had a lot if new growth this year,so here's hoping for next season x
Hi! Does the rock salt need to be ground before using in this recipe? Also, would dried bay still work? 🙂
Hey love, the rock salt dissolves in the lemon juice after a few days, so no need to grind it up and yes, dried bay leaves are totally fine 🙂 xx
These look so pretty. I preserved some lemons a few weeks back. I must go check them now!
Emm, how delicious that your tree is flourishing so beautifully! I waited a lifetime to have a lemon tree, true. Now I have three of them in pots on my porch… with some TLC and a little fish emulsion they're going great guns… I will have to look to your lovely recipe for preserving some of them! Thanks for sharing xo
Living in the tropics, were we have fresh fruits all year round, I have never tried preserved lemons. I'm sure I'll love them, but could you give us suggestions as to how to use them?
There's some suggestions at the end of the recipe, or have a google. Loads of recipes use them xx
Thanx for the feedback! I think the mayonnaise is a great idea. I'll definitely try it!
oh how I wish I cold grow a lemon tree! That many lemons must have surely made your house super flavorful. Who needs artificial room fresher right?! 🙂
Hi, please define ROCK SALT? Please and thanks.Debra/Nantucket Island,ma
It’s just pure salt crystals, before it’s been finely ground. Google it for images etc.